Into the 2000s: A New Century for the United States Pony Clubs

Adapted from “A Story to Tell, The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. 1954 – 2004”

The United States Pony Clubs more than fulfilled the many dreams formed 50 years ago as Pony Club entered the new millennium approaching a significant milestone anniversary in this decade. USPC’s thousands of members and volunteers paused to celebrate the past, while confidently building a future for generations to come.

New Headquarters at the Kentucky Horse Park

On Friday, October 27, 2000, the USPC leadership, staff, and members gathered to dedicate the headquarters building at the Kentucky Horse Park to Joan B. Hamill, a longtime USPC volunteer, leader, and former board member. Hamill had been one of the first Pony Club examiners, a founder of the Wayne-Du Page Hunt Pony Club, a visiting commissioner, and a Regional Supervisor. Her children were both active members of Wayne-Du Page Hunt Pony Club, and she was a guiding force for many Pony Club members throughout the years. She passed away in July 2021.

In 2001, USPC had over 12,000 members in more than 600 clubs. More than 1,000 people attended the 2000 USPC Annual Meeting in Baltimore, despite a massive snowstorm and crippling travel throughout the northeast. At the meeting, the board voted to investigate the possibility of forming adult Pony Clubs. The following year, USPC Horsemasters Program for Adult Volunteers, a pilot program, began with great initial success.

In 2003, HRH Princess Anne made a visit to the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event and requested a visit to see the U.S. Pony Clubs headquarters. As president and a graduate of The Pony Club in Great Britain, she wanted to see how it differed. Upon her departure, she turned to USPC Past President Cindy Piper and said, “There isn’t a Pony Club member in Britain who wouldn’t be green with envy at seeing your home office.”

Expanding Opportunities for Excellence in Equestrian Education

In 2004, Pony Club celebrated an important anniversary: 50 years of the United States Pony Clubs! Breyer Animal Creations teamed up with USPC during this Golden Jubilee year to produce a model representing the ideal Pony Club mount. A Morgan named Flash was nominated for the honor, and the Flash Teamwork Award continues to recognize the importance of teamwork in Pony Club.

The equine world began to see fewer equestrians owning their own horses, and those who did were not keeping their horses at home, but rather at a lesson barn. In an effort to reach this demographic, Pony Club Riding Centers debuted in 2006 with the goal of making Pony Club accessible to more people through well-run lesson barns. Riding Centers are licensed to offer USPC’s curriculum and programs, and are active members of their respective regions.

Specialty certifications in Show Jumping and Dressage were added in 2007, expanding opportunities in addition to the traditional Eventing certification.

USPC Presidents from 2000-2010:

• Larry E. Byers, MFH
• Margo Leithead
• Art Kramer
• Tom Adams

Support the Future of The United States Pony Clubs

In honor of USPC’s history, consider showing your support with a gift to the Annual Fund. A gift of any amount helps ensure the future of Pony Club’s mission for generations to come.

In addition, help us fundraise by starting a Facebook Fundraiser. All proceeds go toward the USPC Annual Fund.

To order the limited-edition USPC 70th Anniversary commemorative pin, visit https://shopponyclub.org/products/pin-70th-anniversary